The Highest of Hopes (Canadian Crossings Book #2)

This is book two in the Canadian Crossings series, however I would say it is a stand alone, since I did not read book one and had no trouble keeping up with what was going on. Emma and Jonathan embark on quite an adventure. Emma is a spontaneous, beautiful girl, her best friend, Jonathan, balances her well. They both have things to learn about themself and each other. When Emma is determined to find acceptance from a father she has never met, she is in for a world of surprises. There is adventure, humor, friendship, heartache and more in this book. If you enjoy historical romance books you will enjoy this one.

After reading the first book in this series, The Best of Intentions, I couldn’t wait to hear Emma’s story. I could tell she was going to be a blast to get to know, and I was not disappointed. I loved how she always tried to be positive and see the best in every situation. Having a best friend along who can always make her smile definitely helped. The problem is, when that best friends feelings go beyond friendship. Jonathan cant imagine his life with out Emma as his wife. Knowing he loves her, and convincing her to fall in love with him are two very different things. I liked how protective he was of her, and how he wanted her to have everything she ever dreamed of. Of course that doesn’t stop them both from making mistakes. I had so much fun going along for the ride. I couldn’t imagine thinking you were an orphan and then years later finding out otherwise. You don’t want to miss out on the amount of family drama that caused. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. Mason kept my interest the whole time, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. This book is a great stand alone, so no need to worry about reading the series in order. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

***HIGHLY EMOTIVE*** May 1919, three strangers board the SS Olympic and form a friendship before docking in Canada to search for family. Emmaline Moore is traveling with her long-time friend, Jonathan Rowe, who is suffering from horrible seasickness. ** Arriving in Toronto, Emmaline is anxious to find her father. A man she believed long-dead. Having returned from the war, Jonathan is determined to share his true feelings with Emma and convince her to begin a life with him while he goes to school at Oxford. “Nobody really won in a war he’d learned. It ate at your soul long after the gunfire had faded.” Emma has ideas of her own, and they don’t involve the man who abandoned her for the war. She is determined to surprise the father she romanticized as a sort of hero figure and stay in Canada to develop a relationship with him. “Soon, with God’s blessing, she would embark on a new life with a family she’d never met, but who, Emma prayed would accept her graciously into their fold. Maybe then the emptiness inside her would finally be filled, and at last she’d feel whole.” However, her new family is anything but pleased to see her and rather than welcoming her, tries to keep her true identity a secret. There is animosity, hurt and a nosy reporter determined to discredit her father. ** I loved the romantic scene at the Italian restaurant – “The other man sat down on a stool and pulled out an ancient-looking squeezebox. …The music changed tempo and this time there was no doubt the man was singing a love song. The longing in his voice struck a chord deep within xxx.” (no spoilers) I could not help but picture Disney’s Lady and the Tramp when Tony, the restaurant owner, sings Bella Notte (giggle). ** While the story did not go as I expected, I was actually glad it wasn’t cookie cutter. The ending was very satisfying and I definitely teared up. ** Tea Moment: “Oh, and might we have a pot of tea, if it’s not too much trouble?” “The kettle’s already on the stove.” Her landlady winked. ** I enjoyed reading the author’s notes about how her own grandmother was moved from England to Canada and told that her father was dead, when he was very much alive! She discovered so while doing ancestry research. ** I recommend this story if you enjoy drama and romance in a historical setting. ** Thank you NetGalley and to the author and Bethany House Publishing who sent me a review copy. My opinion is my own without expectation or compensation. ** Canadian Crossings Series 1 The Best of Intentions – Grace Abernathy’s story 07/2018 2 The Highest of Hopes – Emmaline Moore’s story 03/05/2019 3 TBD - Quinten Aspinall’s story